Very early on in his reign Peter's great vision for Russia was becoming very apparent. He spent a lot of time in the German quarter, much to the dismay of his peers. It was here where he met some of his closest advisors, such as the mercenaries Franz Lefort and Peter Gordon. The foreigners he met there sparked his interest in ship building and sailing along with techniques in iron mongering and carpentry. Indeed he would listen to anyone who could advise him on industry, military or otherwise and quickly established a store of information and contacts, which would avail him in his reform of Russia. His interest in the military also increased during this period, apparent in the elaborate "play" battles and manoeuvres, which he prepared and commanded, often with the assistance of his foreign advisors. In 1693, despite complaints from his mother and court, Peter the Great became the first Russian ruler to visit the far north of his country. This was to become the first in a series of journeys to Archangel (Russia's only seaport) where he would spend a lot of time sailing and overseeing shipbuilding. His enthusiasm catalysed the creation of a small fleet at the port and although the window was small and awkward in terms of geography, Peter could already be seen to be cutting into the outside world.
Peter the Great's play battles and interest in military science and strategy were about to take a step into reality as in 1695 he embarked on his campaign against the Turks. Centred around the fort of Azov, the campaign was to take four long years and cost Russia a dear number of men. Apart from its strategic significance, being situated as it was at the mouth of the river Don, Peter had wanted the Azov campaign to bring to the attention of Europe Russia as a significant power. Unfortunately the length and difficulty with which the campaign was conducted did little for Russia's reputation in Europe.